My Y Story: When I came back home to Seattle after a year attending Iowa State University, I felt lost and wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I loved working with kids and when I was not working, I spent my time volunteering at the elementary/middle school my siblings were attending. One of the parents worked for the Y and offered me a job working at one of the sites. I fell in love working with the kids at that site. The energy they brought to the program was amazing and contagious, I loved going to work every day. Unfortunately, life happens and I went back to school. Fast-forward to today and I am back at the Y but this time I am working in the administration side. If I knew then what I know now, many of the conversations I had with parents would have gone differently. There was so much I didn't know then about the financial assistance, state subsidies and discounts. I am realizing now that without the money we are able to raise during the annual campaign we wouldn't be able to offer many of the discounts and assistance that we do. The most recent thing I can remember was a family facing financial difficulties and we were able to discount their monthly fees for that month to help them out, when we called them to let them know that their children's care was one thing they wouldn't need to worry about for that month financial they cried because of the gratitude they had. If you are able to donate please do, there are so many kids that wouldn't be able to attend without your help.

Our community faces new challenges that create a greater need for the work of the Y. Fortunately, where some see obstacles, we see the opportunity to make a difference. Building a stronger community is a cause that is important to me. That’s why I am proud to volunteer for the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties.

At the Y we take on the challenges that most adversely impact kids and families. We help ensure kids are safe, learning and active when not in school, teach healthy habits and give people the chance to strengthen their community through volunteering. Everything the Y does is in service of building a better us. For a better you. For a better community. For a better country.

For a better us.™

Thank you again for your generous contribution to the Y.